Introduction to Stage Combat
Including stage combat safely and creatively in theatre can significantly raise the production values of a performance. Moments of tension, hostility and conflict can raise the stakes of a narrative, but they must be staged authentically and safely. This practical course will arm you with the knowledge and skills to do just that.
During the week you will:
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Understand safety and performance practice
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Begin to build a physical vocabulary, developing the skills required to successfully learn and understand fight choreography
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Take part in fight choreography, learning how moves join together to create a fight
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Consider how a fight becomes part of the narrative of a production
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Look at how to work with a fight choreographer and how to be fight directed
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Learn how to take a fight from a moment in a script to a scene with your tutor acting as fight director
This course is for actors and directors excited by the opportunity to learn a new skill from the ground up. It is a physical and active course and you must be ready to work with your body as well as your creativity.
Tom is a professional Fight Choreographer and Stage Combat Instructor, working across the UK. He is an RSC Associate Practitioner and has taught extensively for drama schools and universities including LAMDA, The Institute for Contemporary Theatre and University of Gloucestershire.
He has choreographed fights for a huge range of companies including The RSC, Handlebards, Theatr Cymru, Theatre Royal Bath and many more.
He is passionate about working with community groups and amateur theatre makers and has been involved with NODA since 2012. He was also an ongoing member of RSC Open Stages and delivered workshops for the RSC’s Shakespeare Nation project.
He is an experienced theatre director, writer and performer.
He is thrilled to be returning to the NODA Summer School in 2026.